Red Bull Announces Major 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Steps Up, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 championship.
The Red Bull team has announced a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
This reshuffling results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.
A Star in the Making
The British teen took part in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was identified as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the team's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "pure speed".
The team has been working for some time to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", commenting: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out newcomers of the year.
He featured an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
The team principal said: "Isack has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "ready".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was moved back early in the year. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's points total.
These announcements mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
